Exam Terms Flashcards
Macula densa cells
Osmoreceptors in distal tubule that signal to cells in the afferent arteriole, Granular cells.
They sense particle concentration of fluid moving through the Distal Tubule.
Granular (JG) Cells
In afferent arteriole. Secrete Renin.
Bladder Wall
Detrusor muscle, layers of smooth muscle.
Transitional Epithelium, capable of stretching as bladder fills and expands.
Controlled by Somatic Nervous System.
Micturition Reflex
Reflex to urinate.
Reflex mediated by parasympathetic nervous system.
Voluntary control through descending input from higher centers.
Basement membrane (Lamina Densa)
fuses both membranes of the glomerulus (fenestrated capillary epithelium) and Bowman’s capsule (podocytes).
It also restricts large plasma proteins, and allows small ones in.
Myogenic Mechanism
In response to increased renal BP –> Constriction of afferent arteriole –> decreased GFR (back to normal)
In response to decreased renal BP –> Dilation of afferent arteriole –> increased GFR (back to normal)
Tubuloglomerular Mechanism
Increased osmolarity of filtered fluid and/or increased flow rate (sensed of macula densa –> decreased GFR
And vice versa.
Which reabsorption is regulated and not regulated? PCT vs. DCT
PCT is NOT regulated, DCT IS regulated.
EPO
Secreted in response to hypoxia.
Target: Bone Marrow
Effect: Erythropoiesis
Used to replace lost blood cells and blood volume.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 (dietary or UV lgiht on skin precursor) is converted to active vitamin D in kidney.
Seminal Vesicles
Paired glands that secrete alkaline, viscous fluid.
Includes Nutrients (fructose) nourishes sperm and Prostaglandins
This fluid makes up a large portion of the total volume of semen.
Medial portion of each seminal vesicle merges with the Vas Deferens on that side to form the ejaculatory duct.
Prostate Gland
Opens in the urethra.
Contributes fluid with enzymes to activate sperm.
E.g., acid phosphatase, fibrinolysin.
Fibrinolysin
is a chemical used to break through granulosa cells. Key to fertilization.
Bulbourethral Gland
Opens into urethra.
Secretions lubricate and neutralize acidic urine remaining in urethra prior to ejaculation.
MIS
Sertoli cells secrete, during embryonic life, Mullerian-inhibiting substance (MIS), which causes the primordial female duct system to regress. Female is the “default” option, and we need to suppress it if we want a male.
